Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a powerful substance, so small you can only see it with special equipment. Scientists find TERT deep inside cells within the nucleus, which contains all the information that makes our bodies what they are. Scientists call this information deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. TERT helps to keep the information in DNA working properly; if DNA gets damaged, illness can result.

History

TERT is a complex, which means it has different parts that perform unique functions. The enzyme component jump-starts the work that TERT does, while another component, called ribonucleic acid or RNA, provides a template or specific data TERT needs.

Significance

DNA in cells has built-in properties to preserve its instructions or genetic code. DNA looks like a coil in the cell's nucleus. If scientists unwind the coiled DNA, they could find sections at each end called telomeres. TERT specifically targets the telomeres, which help maintain the information along the DNA strand.

Function

DNA is amazing and self-replicating, but when it makes a copy, some of the information gets lost. TERT can help recover that information. Telomerase reverse transcriptase adds TTAGGG sequences to the ends of DNA strands, repairing damage and preserving DNA's proper functioning.

Effects

The maintenance of telomeres through TERT activity affects the cell's lifespan, as telomeres track the number of cell divisions that have occurred.

Potential

If TERT does not work, the result may be premature aging or neoplasia, abnormal cell growth that can cause tumors to form.

Source:

Genes & Development website: The Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Components and Regulation

Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology: Telomeres